DON'T MISS: RAPID PROTOTYPE CENTER
SERVICE TO THE FLEET Norfolk Naval Shipyard
We Are America's Shipyard
August 2018
CHANGE OF COMMAND
Captain Kai Torkelson becomes 108th Commander of NNSY
ALSO INSIDE: 990 ANNIVERSARY AND STEM DAY
Table of Contents
IN THIS ISSUE Features: 4 FROM THE COMMANDER Our culture and values
5 WHO WOULD YOU PICK? Under Pressure: How do you deal with conflict?
7 NOBODY GETS HURT TODAY NNSY’s Shop 71 honored with 2017 Safety Flag
10 YEAR AT A GLANCE
10
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events at NNSY
12 CHANGE OF COMMAND Captain Kai Torkelson becomes 108th Commander of NNSY
14 RAISE THE BAR Air Purging Adapter keeps respirator air lines fresh
18 PRESERVING THE PAST
18
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NNSY's Heritage Room highlights important past, points to vital future
20 SHIPYARD SPOTLIGHT Two careers mean twice the success for Warrant Officer and Contract Specialist Khosbayar Rentsendorj
24 KEEP CLAM, CARRY ON Teamwork and thousands of mollusc shells improve wildlife and wetlands 2 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2018
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SHIPYARD COMMANDER Capt. Kai Torkelson EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Daniel Rossler COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (AW/SW) Michael Reese EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CODE 1100) Lisa Downey PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Terri Davis
VOLUME 81 • NUMBER 6
Service to the Fleet
CHANGING THE CULTURE NNSY hosts PACFLT SAPRO for destructive behavior training PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
SERVICE TO THE FLEET EDITOR Anna Taylor PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Michael Brayshaw, Kristi Britt, April Brown, Floyd Logan, Troy Miller, Curtis Steward EMAIL THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE nfsh_nnsy_pao@navy.mil EMPLOYEE INFORMATION HOTLINE (757) 396-9551 FRAUD, WASTE & ABUSE HOTLINE (757) 396-7971 SHIPYARD RADIO ADVISORY 1630 AM SERVICE TO THE FLEET is a Department of Defense publication and is authorized for members of the DoD. Contents of Service to the Fleet are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the DoD, or Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Service to the Fleet is published monthly. Submissions are due on the 10th of each month. The public affairs staff reserves the right to edit submissions for content and brevity.
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How can one person change a social group’s accepted behavior norms? According to U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) Sexual Assault Prevention Response Officer Capt. Romuel Nafarrete, we all have the ability to influence change by focusing on our personal actions and understanding the emotions that motivate us. Nafarrete visited Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) July 11 to deliver a “Change the Culture” presentation to shipyard Sailors and civilians. The presentation explores the Navy’s most common destructive behaviors and how individuals can take action to improve themselves and their peers. To prevent destructive behaviors and destructive events, the root cause must be attacked. Nafarrete defines the root cause as the use and abuse of power and control, resulting in a culture that lacks dignity and respect, and fostering behaviors such as sexism, misogyny, objectification, homophobia, fear, low empathy, and racism. “Change the Culture” is PACFLT's approach to destructive behavior prevention in the Navy, which evolved from earlier programs like risk reduction and bystander intervention training. The program juxtaposes racy humor with the real-life implications of destructive behavior and examines society’s role in personal development and how individual behavior changes can begin to redefine new social norms. Nafarrete, whose resume includes a doctorate in organizational leadership (he wrote his dissertation on culture change), developed and delivers the training program to Navy personnel around the world. Last year, “Change the Culture” was presented to more than 62,000 Sailors, airmen, Marines, soldiers and civilians. This was the second year the presentation was hosted by NNSY. AUGUST 2018 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 3
From the Commander:
Our culture and values
In my first full month as the commander of Norfolk Naval shipyard (NNSY), my responsibilities to the organization and commitment to you have been foremost in my mind. I’ve enjoyed all the opportunities during the past month to meet with so many of you and put eyes on target with all the great work being done at this remarkable facility. I can sense a feeling of momentum and opportunity in America's Shipyard. For a moment I’d like to look back on history (a favorite subject of mine) and share a story with you. August 2018 marks a significant anniversary for my family’s history, for 100 years ago this month my grandfather Ingolf Torkelson, an immigrant to America from Norway, was fighting in the first World War. August 8 to November 11, 1918 is known as the “hundred days offensive", which essentially pushed the Germans out of France forcing them to retreat beyond the Hindenburg line and was followed by an armistice. Also 75 years ago this month 1943
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marked a similar offensive in World War II, with a series of German defeats on the Eastern front, the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy which brought about Italian surrender and Allied victories in the Pacific, the Axis lost initiative and was forced into strategic retreat on all fronts. The significant lessons from those campaigns in World War I and World War II are that the Allied Powers seized the opportunity to work as a high performing team, to focus on values and purpose, and overcome great adversity to win. In the business of ship repair we may have obstacles and disappointments. But those must become lessons learned that ultimately strengthen us and our commitment to the Navy. One of the best ways to ensure a strong team and reaffirm its commitments is to examine its values. Our organizational values are fundamental to our self-worth and how others see us. A few weeks ago, Navy leadership was provided a letter about NNSY’s culture and values. This letter detailed how the shipyard aims to improve alignment among senior leadership, with the goal being for us to collectively practice more constructive behaviors as an organization. Constructive behaviors are based on effective goal setting and recognition of achievement, and shared growth and learning through teamwork and collaboration. It’s notable that during a shipyard assessment a group of senior leaders determined that the ideal workplace culture was a constructive one. But we must remember that building a constructive culture takes everyone’s investment and a daily commitment. It’s not going to be a byproduct of our work, but a prism through which we see our work. In an ideal workplace culture, we help each other grow and develop; we foster an environment of trust; we reach for excellence because we hold each other accountable and are part of a high-performing team. Some of the fundamental daily behaviors that will put us on that path include looking for achievements instead of mistakes in your co-workers; supporting decisions of your teammates when warranted; doing what is already in your authority to make decisions in your area of
responsibility; and taking constructive chances to find a better way of doing our business. NNSY should value teamwork as essential to safely conducting quality work within schedule and cost requirements. Ensuring a professional and civil atmosphere creates an environment for well-being, which should be reflected in the quality products and superior services we provide. My expectation is that you will help create an environment where everyone can be successful meeting our mission by living our new organizational behaviors of Care, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence. Together, these words form the acronym C.O.R.E., which is highly fitting given they’re core to our future success as a shipyard. When we care, we demonstrate pride in our country, shipyard, and work. We thank our co-workers and employees, we are quick to empathize, and we find opportunities to succeed. When we demonstrate ownership, we exhibit integrity and personal accountability, establish clear expectations, provide timely and constructive feedback, and thoughtfully consider the message we are sending, either through our words or our actions. When we show respect, we extend it to everyone, we foster a safe environment for open and honest communication, and we build up one another. Rest assured that when we care, demonstrate ownership, and show respect, we will achieve excellence. Every individual, regardless of one's position or department, should actively demonstrate care and consideration in the workplace and strive to be a role model by promoting our organizational behaviors. These behaviors are significant enablers to effective teamwork and high performance. They lay the basic yet critical foundation to our success as an organization in the coming years. The Navy and nation are counting on us, and as the new commander of this remarkable shipyard, I’m counting on you.
Capt. Kai Torkelson Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s 108th Commander
Under Pressure: How do you deal with conflict? BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY GREG BOYD • NNSY VIDEOGRAPHER
Imagine your life is suddenly thrown into conflict. An attack sends you and a group of strangers into panic. There is a bunker awaiting you but with only enough provisions for yourself and four others. You must determine which of these strangers will ensure your survival. What would you do? This was the topic of discussion for the Disability Awareness Committee Employee Resource Group’s (DAC-ERG) experiment hosted June 26 and June 28 entitled "Dealing with Conflict." The experiment provided groups of shipyard employees a chance to determine in ten minutes who they would be able to save in a scripted scenario. “We developed this interactive scenario to bring awareness to how we and our fellow shipyarders are able to deal with conflict,” said Diversity and Inclusion Representative for the DAC-ERG Valerie Scott. “This spontaneous event was designed to showcase what factors would be taken into consideration when making a decision in a time constraint.” The participants were split up into teams, ensuring each group was diverse in job titles, race, gender and age. Each team was given a list of 12 individuals with minimal description of their skillsets, ages and more. From the list, each group was instructed to pick four people within the time limit to join the members in the bunker. DAC-ERG President Daniel Freeh said, “when you enter into this scenario, you have to get over any preconceived notions you have and work towards making the best decisions going forward. There’s conflicting personalities and ideals everywhere you go. But being able to handle that conflict and find that common ground amongst yourselves in order to find what works best for the job is the ultimate goal. It’s achievable as long as you take the steps together to make it happen.” Following the initial experiment, the groups were able to come together to discuss how they handled the situation and how everything factored into their ultimate decisions. “It was an interesting exercise because you knew very little about the folks on this sheet and you had to determine who would be coming into the bunker with you,” said Steve Murley, emergency management officer and participant in the experiment. “But we also knew very little about the members of our team. We had to discuss
TOP LEFT & ABOVE: Employees participate in the experimental conflict resolution scenario. TOP RIGHT: DAC-ERG Facilitators prompt participants during the exercise. amongst ourselves what skillsets we had in order to determine who could best fit the needs once we went into the bunker. Medical training, leadership, these were all factors we needed to determine not only in those written for the exercise but amongst ourselves.” Scott added, “a big takeaway from this exercise is how dealing with this conflict relates to how we deal with conflicts at America’s Shipyard. When we are on the job, we have coworkers whom we interact with on a daily basis. We want our participants to notice how they interact with the people around them and how they handle situations that come up on the job. Are they able to notice if there’s a change in attitude in their coworkers? Are they able to show respect to oneanother? We must be able to handle conflicts as they arise while treating each other with the positivity and respect they deserve each and every day.” The DAC-ERG was established for the purpose of raising awareness of the abilities, the quality, and the needs of NNSY’s disabled community. It is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities (IWD) are fully integrated with our workforce and are treated the same as any other shipyard employee, while still taking into account their needs and required accommodations. This includes those employees who were hired with a known disability, people who become disabled while here at the shipyard, and those who have not yet declared themselves as disabled. AUGUST 2018 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 5
From the Deckplate:
Staying alert through the summer heat at America's Shipyard Happy August, shipyard mates! We are still deep in the throes of summer and it is hot out there! I can't stress enough how important it is to stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay alert. Remember, nobody gets hurt today! August can feel like a long month because we don't have any official government holidays and the kids are still out of school. The shipyard's next services only weekend is Aug. 18-19, so I hope all of you who have been working so hard will take that time to stay home, rest and recharge. Thank you for everything you do every day. Women's Equality Day is Aug. 26 and commemorates the struggle of women to gain the right to vote. The movement for women's rights was launched on a national level in 1848, at what is now known as the Seneca Falls Convention, which originally advertised itself as a "Women's Rights Convention." Voting rights advocates Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, along with Susan B. Anthony and other activists, also known as "suffragists," formed organizations that raised public awareness and lobbied the government to grant voting rights to women, making the right to vote a centerpiece of the women's rights movement. It would take 72 years after the suffrage movement began for these groups to emerge victorious with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on Aug. 18, 1920, which prohibited any U.S. citizen from being denied the right to vote on the basis of sex. On Election Day that same year, more than 8 million women across the nation voted for the first time. In 1971, to honor and commemorate this historic event, Congresswoman Bella Abzug introduced, and Congress signed, a resolution to designate Aug. 26 as Women's Equality Day recognizing the anniversary of suffrage and of women's continued efforts toward equal rights. It's important for us to take time to celebrate how far we've come in less than 100 years, but there is still progress to be made and I hope each of you work every day to improve yourselves personally and make a positive impact on the people around you. 6 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2018
To help with this, last month NNSY hosted Capt. Roy Nafarrete from U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) for a "Change the Culture" presentation. This very interactive presentation explored what inspires destructive behaviors and how Sailors and civilians can take action to improve themselves and their peers. In order to prevent destructive behaviors and destructive events, we have to attack the root cause. Capt. Nafarrete defines the root cause as the use and abuse of power and control, resulting in a culture that lacks dignity and respect, fostering behaviors such as sexism, misogyny, objectification, homophobia, fear, low empathy, and racism. Change the Culture is PACFLT's approach to destructive behavior prevention. The program shows how to maintain a resilient workforce by eliminating destructive behaviors and promoting positive behaviors. Capt. Nafarrete developed and delivers the training program to Sailors and civilians around the world. It's engaging training and I hope everyone has the chance to attend it at some point. This is the second year it has been provided at NNSY. This month’s CMC Shout Out goes to Sailors and civilians at the Police Precinct! During the month of July this group of amazing professionals were busy with preparing for their upcoming mission as well as completing the Regional Assessment in preps for their final evaluation later this year, all while continuing the job of protecting us every day! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to America’s Shipyard! BRAVO ZULU to each of you! In closing, thank you to you all for what you do on a daily basis, keep up the great work America’s Shipyard! As always, it is an honor to be in the Navy and a great time to be a part of America’s Shipyard! - CMC Sends
Michael Reese Command Master Chief
NNSY’s Shop 71 honored with 2017 Safety Flag BY MICHAEL BRAYSHAW • LEAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Preservation Group (Code 970) is in the business of maintaining the Navy’s ships and submarines, but it was recently recognized for maintaining the continued health and safety of its employees. Code 970’s Shop 71 (Paint/Blast Shop) was recognized as the winner of NNSY’s 2017 Safety Flag, presented June 14 in Building 1499. Then Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown and Code 106 Safety, Health and Environmental leaders presented the flag and congratulated shop members. This annual safety award recognizes improved injury rates, aggressive management actions, outstanding leadership, labor/ management partnerships, employee involvement, and an overall commitment in the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) principles of providing a safe and healthful workplace. Safety improvements frequently hinge on better processes and products, and Code 970 has been enhancing both areas in the past year. Purchasing new safety supplies has helped prevent repetitive stress injuries, while modified training on machinery operation
and expanded emphasis on safety during pre-job briefs has ensured improved health and safety throughout Shop 71. At the event, Michael VanRaam and JaLauna Anderson were both presented with certificates of appreciation for their efforts in contributing to a safer workplace. “A special congratulation to Mr. Charlie McVey and [Deputy Superintendent] Ms. Iris Wright for leading a tremendous team!” said Code 970 Safety Advocate Tynecia Simpson. “All Shop 71 employees have contributed to winning this prestigious award! While conducting safety surveillances for Shop 71, I have repeatedly observed employees perform safe work practices and assist coworkers to ensure safety first.” Code 970 Group Superintendent Charlie McVey agreed. “This is truly a team effort,” he said. “Bravo Zulu to Shop 71. Each and every individual in Shop 71 played a part in achieving this. I am very humbled and honored to be a part of a team that cares about personal safety and the safety of those around them. We plan on winning this award again for 2018!”
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Shipyard Insider: BUZZ & BYTES
WOMEN'S PROGRAM HOSTS SPEED MENTORING EVENT The Norfolk Naval Shipyard Federal Women's Program recently hosted a speed mentoring event. Speed mentoring, similar to speed dating, is a time-bound approach to networking and relationship building. Focusing on quick-hit information, speed mentoring allows participants to get guidance and insights on topics like career planning, advancement and work-life balance—all in one setting. Leaders from virtually every major department were available to speak with employees and answer questions while providing valuable career advice.
» POSITIVE YARDAGE Regional Assessment NNSY passed its Regional Assessment (RASS) of security and emergency services the week of July 9-12. The RASS included force protection drills including apparent surveillance of Gates 10 and 15, a gate runner and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, a small boat attack, a bomb threat and a suspicious package. A team from Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) observed the shipyard's response
operations to ensure all standards were met. RASS is part of Commander, Naval Installation Command's (CNIC) Navy security force shore assessment and certification cycle. It is designed to ensure standardized training is upheld and resources are aligned. The week-long assessment required collaboration between security training teams, members of NNSY's Security and Fire Department, Anti-Terrorism Officers, and other emergency first responders. Earlier this year, the shipyard police precinct received
one of the top four scores for the CNIC global Command Assessment of Readiness and Training (CART) certification. Safety Flag Congratulations to Shop 99 of Code 990 Temporary Services, winner of the May 2018 Safety Flag. This is the second time this year Shop 99 has won, and the fifth time Code 990 has won the safety flag, with Shop 89 being awarded the flags for January, February and March. Capt. Scott Brown presented the flag to shop members June 25.
COMING SOON! NNSY Innovation A new Service to the Fleet series in partnership with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Technology and Innovation (NNSY T&I) Lab is coming! The NNSY T&I Lab is a collaborative effort between all NNSY departments merging innovative technologies into NNSY’s current business processes. For more information on the lab, visit https://webcentral.nnsy.navy. mil/departments/c200/C280/ Branch%20Web%20Pages/ TNIC.aspx.
REMINDER: CAMERA PHONES ARE PROHIBITED AT NNSY Unofficial photography is prohibited. Only authorized personnel with official need and permission from the shipyard security department may take photos on the shipyard. With the exception of Trophy Park, camera phones are not permitted in any NAVSEA-owned space or anywhere NAVSEA business is conducted. Leave your camera phones in your vehicle or in a locker. In addition, unless the camera feature has been permanently "disabled" and physically removed/destroyed (drilled out and filled with epoxy), you must leave your camera phones outside the CIA. 8 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2018
NOBODY GETS HURT TODAY! Safety starts with YOU. YOU are NNSY's most vital asset. » SMOKING POLICY Smoking is only authorized in designated smoking areas (DSA). Employees must be physically inside the designated smoking area when smoking. Smoking near a DSA or while walking toward a DSA is prohibited. The policy considers e-cigarettes to be similar to tobacco products and therefore, they shall be treated the same as regular cigarettes. Smoking is specifically prohibited in all nondesignated smoking areas, including but not limited to: offices, lobbies, restrooms, break areas, walkways, crosswalks, stairways, building entries/exits, loading docks, while in transit from one location to another (on the way to your car, from
building to building, etc.), and shuttle stops. Where smokeless tobacco use is permitted, tobacco spit shall be held in containers with sealing lids to prevent odor and accidental spills. Tobacco spit and residue shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner which prevents public exposure. Military, civilian, and contract personnel found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate administrative discipline. Please contact the Base Support Office at NNSY-Base-Support-Officer@ navy.mil or 396-8612 for a full list of designated smoking areas. For more information, please see NAVSUPPACTNNSYINST 5100.3 on NNSY WebCentral.
SERVICES ONLY weekends In accordance with the NNSY Overtime Management Policy, several weekends this year will be designated as services only weekends in order to give our combined workforce (including our Ship's Force teammates) a chance to rest and revitalize. These weekends are "charge-your-battery" weekends: take time to be with your family and friends, and reflect on what we can do to take care of each other, improve communications within our teams and think about the work we are doing with a focus on safety. Thank you for everything you are doing every day. UPCOMING SERVICES ONLY WEEKENDS: • •
Aug. 18-19 Sept. 1-3
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YEAR at a GLANCE AUGUST
OCTOBER
AUG 3 • 1LS HARDHAT CEREMONY Dry Dock Club • 2 p.m.
OCT 13 • U.S. NAVY BIRTHDAY
AUG 11 • NAVY NIGHT AT THE TIDES Harbor Park • 7:05 p.m. Active duty, retired and dependents get box seats for $9.50 and reserved seats for $8.50 each with valid military I.D. AUG 15 • FEDERAL RESUME WRITING Bldg. 15, 2nd floor • 11:20 a.m. - 12 noon Lunch and Learn hosted by FLTHRO. All NNSY employees are welcome and encouraged to attend these sessions. AUG 22 • COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Bldg. 1500 CBR • 11:20 a.m. - Noon Visions & Strategies: Preparing a Workplace for our Daughters. Where are we now? Where do we want to be? Join the Federal Women's Program for a conversation about empowering the women of the future to be leaders and innovators. AUG 28 • ARMED FORCES BLOOD DRIVE Bldg. 1500, 8 a.m. - Noon
OCT 24 • ARMED FORCES BLOOD DRIVE Bldg. 1500, 8 a.m. - Noon OCT 18 • AMERICA'S SHIPYARD CELEBRATION
NOVEMBER NOV 8 • APPRENTICE GRADUATION Details TBD NOV 9 • VETERANS DAY FALL-IN FOR COLORS Bldg. 1500 flag pole • 8 a.m. AUG 15 • FEDERAL RESUME WRITING Bldg. 15, 2nd floor • 11:20 a.m. - 12 noon Lunch and Learn hosted by FLTHRO. All NNSY employees are welcome and encouraged to attend these sessions. AUG 28 • ARMED FORCES BLOOD DRIVE Bldg. 1500, 8 a.m. - Noon
SEPTEMBER SEP 11 • FALL-IN FOR COLORS 9/11 Remembrance Fall-In For Colors Bldg. 1500 flag pole • 8 a.m. SEP 18 • SUICIDE AWARENESS PRESENTATION Bldg. 1500 CBR • 1 p.m. DONCEAP quarterly health and wellness brief in observance of Suicide Prevention Month. Time allowed with supervisor approval. SEP 19 • NAVIGATING USAJOBS.GOV Bldg. 15, 2nd floor • 11:20 a.m. - 12 noon Lunch and Learn hosted by FLTHRO. All NNSY employees are welcome and encouraged to attend these sessions. SEP 28 • 1LS HARDHAT CEREMONY Dry Dock Club • 2 p.m.
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DECEMBER DEC 24 - JAN 2 • CURTAILMENT Norfolk Naval Shipyard will curtail all but essential operations for the 2018 holiday curtailment. Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 are official government holidays. This year, 40 hours of annual leave will be needed. All three shifts will work on Dec. 22, ending with the third shift ending on 7:40 a.m. Dec. 23. Employees will return to work on Jan. 2, 2018, starting with the first shift. Curtailing all but essential operations during this time will achieve maximum economy for a holiday period when significant numbers of employees are absent from work, thus reducing the normal productive effort.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT NNSY? EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS AFRICAN AMERICAN EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP The AAERG meets every third Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Bldg. M-1 conference room. Please call Michael Taylor at 967-3286 for more information.
VETERANS EMPLOYEE READINESS GROUP The VET-ERG meets every second Thursday from 8-9 a.m. in the Bldg. M-1 conference room. Please call Tasha Beverly at 396-0557 for more information.
FEDERAL WOMEN'S PROGRAM The FWP meets every second Thursday from 2-3 p.m. in Bldg. 510R1, second floor, room 21. Please call Aiya Williams at 3960499 for more information.
HISPANIC EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUP The HERG meets every fourth Thursday from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. in the Bldg. M-1 conference room. Due to scheduling conflicts, the next three meetings do not fall on the fourth Thursday and will be held on Aug. 9, Sept. 13, and Oct. 11. Please call Dan Freeh at 393-7126 for more information. Please call Rudy Sandoval at 396-5414 for more information.
DISABILITY AWARENESS COMMITTEE The DAC-ERG meets every second Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. in Bldg. 1500 in the Code 800 conference room.
MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION (MWR) AUG 11 • BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC Scott Center Annex Youth Center • 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. This family friendly event will offer water slides, inflatables, face painting, DJ, ballon artist, picnic lunch and school supplies will be handed out while supplies last. Event takes place onboard Scott Center Annex at the DryDock Catering & Conference Center. Open to all military families. SEP 11 • REMEMBRANCE RUN 5K Callaghan Center Gym • 9 a.m. Join us a we run to remember 9/11. Event open to all DoD ID card holders, dependents and sponsored guests. The first 200 to register and complete the run will receive a free T-shirt. Awards will be handed out for the top three male and female finishers in each age group.. Register on line at navymwrmidlant.com/runs.
NOV 1 • LARGER THAN LIFE HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST Compete in MWR's fourth-annual holiday card decorating contest! Shipyard departments can design and decorate a festive sheet of plywood. Entries will be judged and the winner will receive a prize. Last year, the San Francisco Project sleighed the competition, taking home first place prize and receiving a free bowling party at Strike Zone Bowling Center at Scott Center Annex courtesy of MWR. DEC 15 • SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER FAMILY FUN RUN Scott Center Annex • 8-11 a.m. What better way to prepare folks to enjoy a plate of cookies or cup of egg nog guilt-free than participating in MWR's two-mile Family Fun Run complete with holiday themed Hobby Shop, fake snow and Land of Inflatables? All participants receive a medal, t-shirt, bowling and breakfast.
OCT 20 • HAUNTED HAPPENINGS Scott Center Annex Community Center • 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fourth-annual Halloween celebration. Festivities include: ballon artist, costume contest, face painting, musical hay bales, pumpkin carving and much more!
ALABAMA SPOTTING You still have a few opportunities to spot the USS Alabama replica float at these parades throughout Hampton Roads. If you see the float, make sure you snap some photos and share them with us on social media!
AUG 11 • NAVY NIGHT AT THE TIDES AT HARBOR PARK SEP 29 • SUFFOLK PEANUT FESTIVAL NOV 12 • VIRGINIA BEACH VETERANS DAY PARADE DEC. 8 • WILLIAMSBURG CHRISTMAS PARADE
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CAPTAIN KAI TORKELSON BECOMES 108TH COMMANDER OF NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD BY MICHAEL BRAYSHAW • LEAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Capt. Kai Torkelson became the 108th Commander of Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), relieving Capt. Scott Brown in a ceremony in Bldg. 163 June 29. In the ceremony’s keynote address, Portsmouth Mayor John Rowe discussed his father beginning his career at the shipyard as an electrician in 1940, eventually retiring from NNSY in 1975. “As a kid growing up in Portsmouth, whose dad worked at the shipyard, this shipyard had a central role in our life. And Scott, my father would be so proud of you and bringing this shipyard to a new level of excellence. The city of Portsmouth and Norfolk Naval Shipyard have a long, rich and wonderful history that is so intertwined, and it goes back to almost the very spot we’re sitting, on the banks of the southern branch of the Elizabeth River.” After reflecting on his guiding principles he’s advocated as shipyard commander since September 2014, Brown said, “I’m turning over to an exceptional officer—Captain Kai Torkelson. “I’m confident this shipyard will accelerate its focus on people and mission, while achieving great accomplishments under your leadership.” Torkelson takes command during a pivotal period for Norfolk Naval Shipyard, currently in the midst of expanding its workforce and integrating cutting-edge technologies in ship repair. During Brown’s tenure, the shipyard hired more than 4,500 employees, worked to revitalize its waterfront infrastructure and overhauled its training and mentoring programs. NNSY’s achievements during Brown’s command include delivering USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) to the Fleet two days early in July 2017; overseeing
a record-setting refueling on USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740); and being honored with the 2017 Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award for a large industrial activity. Torkelson is a native of Virginia and a third generation naval officer. He previously served at NNSY as Deputy Project Superintendent for USS Ronald Reagan’s (CVN 76) Planned Incremental Availability from 2009 to 2010, and as the Submarine Repair Officer at the shipyard’s satellite location at Naval Station Norfolk from 2010 to 2013. He returned to NNSY following assignments at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Activity as Production Resources Officer, Operations Officer, and Business and Strategic Planning Officer. “As a third generation naval officer, serving the Navy is in my blood,” said Torkelson. “It's an exciting time to take the helm of this historic command and I look forward to taking America’s Shipyard-our shipyard!--to even greater heights of capability and service. The Navy has committed to improving Norfolk Naval Shipyard's employment levels, our training resources, and our facilities and infrastructure. The challenge is on to navigate through this period of great growth and transition while still providing the same quality service the Navy has come to expect of us.” During the ceremony, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Commander, Vice Adm. Tom Moore, presented Brown with the Legion of Merit. Brown’s next assignment will be at NAVSEA at the Washington Navy Yard.
TOP: Capt. Scott Brown delivers his final remarks as the 107th Commander of Norfolk Naval Shipyard. ABOVE: Capt. Kai Torkelson delivers his first remarks as the shipyard's 108th commanding officer.
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RAISE THE BAR RIGHT: Walsh and Kinstler with the new adapter. BELOW: Walsh demonstrates how the adaptor works with a respirator air line.
AIR PURGING ADAPTER KEEPS RESPIRATOR AIR LINES FRESH
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KRISTI BRITT PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
14 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2018
Tool Room Mechanic John Walsh teamed up with the Rapid Prototype Center (RPC) to ensure a safer and more efficient process was in place when cleaning respirator air lines. “These are breathing lines for our workforce and they have to be tested and cleaned out before every use to ensure our folks are safe and able to breathe on the job,” said Walsh. “We hold a weight test for each tubing and then we purge each air line with air pressure to clean them and ensure the airways are clear.” Walsh would place one end of the tube on the air pressure valve, keeping the airway clear so that the pressure would surge through the tubing. He would then test the other end with a white rag to ensure the airway was clean for use. However, due to the ball inserts in the tubing, it was becoming more difficult to use the air pressure through the air lines, thus extending the cleaning process. “The original way almost seemed like a small bicycle leak compared with hardly any pressure at all going through the tubing,” said Walsh. “I wanted something that would be able to open the airway back up without damaging the balls inside or the tubing itself. I knew of the RPC from my co-worker Kenny Kinstler so I reached out to him and let him know what I was looking for. Within a day, Kenny had this plunger adapter prototyped and ready to go. And it is exactly what I needed!” Kinstler, a sheet metal mechanic for the RPC, created a plunger adapter that would insert at the end of the tubing to open up the airway. This allowed the air pressure to flow through the tubing without resistance. “I know John takes a lot of pride to ensure the workforce has clean airways for their respirators so I wanted to help him out as much as I could,” said Kinstler. “It’s a simple idea that makes a big difference. And we at the RPC are here to make these ideas a reality.” “I’m really excited to see how much of an impact this idea has made,” said Walsh. “Getting these tubes clean and out to the workforce fast is huge for us. And just knowing that we’re doing everything in our power to ensure our shipyard family is safe is a big win! I’m thankful to Kenny and his team at the RPC for taking the time to hear out my idea and help make it possible.” If you have an idea that might improve your job, contact the RPC at 396-4950/4956/4758 or 778-4181.
NAVSEA and NNSY team up to bring innovative hand truck to the waterfront BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY KRISTI BRITT AND TONY ANDERSON
ABOVE: Alim Jordan demonstrates the hand truck's ability to improve mobility and safety.
Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) welcomed a new innovative technology to its arsenal with the Makinex Hand Truck, a powered hand truck purchased by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) 04X. NAVSEA 04X Tactical Implementation Manager Suzie Simms began research in 2017 for technology that could enable safer lifting practices across the four public shipyards. “At the NAVSEA 04X3 Tactical Innovation Implementation Lab (TIIL), we are always looking for ways to share innovations and ensure our workforce is being safe and efficient,” said Simms. “Looking for new technologies to help with employee safety and ergonomics, we discovered the Makinex Powered Hand Truck, a device where a single user could safely lift less than 300 pounds to a height of five-feet, fourinches. We purchased one for each public shipyard to test out with their workforce and try the simple and easy-to-use features in the hopes that it will address that need.” The Rapid Prototype Center (RPC) took ownership of NNSY’s hand truck, receiving it in June 2018. “The hand truck comes standard with a hook attachment and lifting straps,” said RPC Woodcrafter Alim Jordan. “The device itself is easy to operate, with the user working behind the load by placing hands upon the handlebars. There is a power switch to run the device and a hand break which would be squeezed to engage or disengage. Using safe lifting practices, which includes ensuring the path is free of obstructions, the user would then be able to usher the load to the needed
area and stabilize the load as needed.” The Navy Crane Center has inspected the item and deemed at this time there is no additional training required to use the device as delivered. Jordan is the lead in demonstrating the uses of the hand truck for NNSY, providing a handson approach to the workforce on how it could work for their shop or code. “We’re putting together various demonstrations with the workforce and so far the reception has been huge,” said Jordan. “So far we have showcased it to the Electrical/Electronics Group (Code 950), Piping Group (Code 960), Mechanical Group (Code 930), and Temporary Services Group (Code 990). We’re setting up future demonstrations for whomever else would like to test it out and see firsthand what it can do.” For the TIIL and RPC, safety is key for innovations like the Makinex Hand Truck. “We are always looking for ways to ensure the workers at the shipyard are able to do their job safety and return home the same way they came to work,” said Jordan. “With this hand truck, we can have it as an alternative for using a forklift for jobs weighing under 300 pounds. In addition, the material moving can be performed by one person safely. If we can continue to help our workforce find safer and more efficient ways to get the job done, that’s a huge win for us at America’s Shipyard and the U.S. Navy.” If you have an idea that might improve your job or you would like to schedule a demonstration for your shop or code, contact the RPC at 396-4950/4956/4758 or 778-4181. AUGUST 2018 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 15
'FIRST IN, LAST OUT' Code 990 celebrates first anniversary BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER The Temporary Services Department (Code 990) is one of the most diverse groups in Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), according to Code 990 Deputy Superintendent Chris Faulkner. As part of a corporate initiative across all four public shipyards in 2017, Temporary Services branched out from the Code 970 umbrella to become its own code. Code 990 is broken down into two specific shops. Shop 89 consists of shipwrights, scaffold builders, and fabric workers; and Shop 99 consists of air conditioning and heating, electrical work, dry dock, environmental work, and piping. More than 650 employees come together each day at NNSY to provide their skills. “As the temporary services, our motto is ‘First in, Last out,’” said Faulkner. “We cover a wide range of responsibility and influence. Everything from the facility the ships dock in, to the power supplied to the ships, cooling water, steam, everything that supports the ships while they are here is our 16 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2018
job. We’re the first ones to appear on the project and the last ones to leave. Without our team, the shipyard would not be able to get the job done in supporting our fleet.” The team celebrated its first anniversary in June 2018. The Resource Department for Code 990 took the lead in rewarding the team for its efforts, hosting a weeklong celebration. The events included an ice cream social, code-wide cookout, and bowling excursion to build up the team spirit and reward members for a job welldone throughout the year. “We wanted to celebrate our new beginning as a team and show everyone how much we appreciate everything they do each and every day,” said Code 990 Resource Manager Shaysha Banks. Her anniversary planning team included Resource Assistant Rosa Bracy, Resource Coordinator Shante Chandler, Code 990 Apprentice Shavon Allen, and Apprentice Supervisor Tiara Colon’Estrada. “Our mechanics and supervisors have excelled through the
reconstruction of our code and continue to set the standard for excellence. Everyone has done an awesome job and we wanted to thank them for their hard work.” “We have had a lot of big wins this year as a team,” said Code 990 Superintendent James Holt. “Our group has led the way in safety. Shop 89 won the safety flag January through March and Shop 99 won it in April and May. We held the honor for five consecutive months and we accept that with pride. In addition, we’ve also been leading the way on VPP [Voluntary Protection Program] Passport completion.” Faulkner added that “smart initiatives are a big part of what we do in our code. We put our money where our mouth is when it comes to rewarding our team for exceeding the standards. We reinforce good behavior by rewarding those who take the time to go above and beyond. We also reward those who aim to protect the standards of safety. We’ve got an excellent team and we wanted to show them that we care.”
Code 990 Training Coordinator Jeris Smith said, “I think our code has started out on a good foot and personifies excellence. In training, we started the ’95 or Better’ initiative and it has shown us some excellent results from our people. Our team is being consistent in doing the right thing and working to exceed the expectation. We appreciate everything they do.” “One of our biggest accomplishments through this first year that I’m most proud of is the consistency of our message,” said Faulkner. “We wanted to invest in our people and our processes. We care about our workforce and want to make sure they are safe on the job. It’s our first priority.” Holt added, “we’re not afraid to innovate in our code. We listen for what our folks need and seek out those new ideas or technologies that could improve their quality of work life. If there’s something out there that will make the job more efficient and safer for our people, we’re going to put that in place.”
As Code 990 prepares for the future, the team is looking forward to lead the charge for America’s Shipyard in everything it does. “I’m currently going through every single process we have to ensure what we follow fits the needs of our team,” said Holt. “Everything we do will be to ensure the safety of our team.” Faulkner also shared some new practices Code 990 will be utilizing within the next year to showcase the great work done by his people. “We have put quality score cards in place for the different trades and projects to showcase the deficiencies found and corrected, processes followed, and more. We score each work group with that card and
it provides our team a friendly competition to exceed expectations. It lets our workforce know that we are looking at what they are doing and also lets them know everything they do is valuable. We give them that incentive to lead the front.” Banks said, “here’s to the next year and beyond, Code 990! Let’s continue to be the best!” AUGUST 2018 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 17
BELOW: Public Works Officer Cmdr. Ben Wainright addresses the crowd prior to the ceremony. SPECIAL THANKS TO all who worked on the project: Marcus W. Robbins-NNSY Historian; Tory Pendleton; Shop 64; NAVFAC; Code 109; and Code 1160
NNSY's Heritage Room highlights important past, points to vital future BY APRIL BROWN • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER Thousands of people have walked by the coat closet located inside the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Command Briefing Room. But a prouder destiny awaited that small space. One person, then Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown, had a vision for that room…a Heritage Room that would showcase the shipyard’s 250 years of history. It wasn’t long before the vision started becoming a reality and renovation plans were in the works. Instead of the shipyard contracting out the project, it was offered to Shop 64 woodworkers and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), and it quickly evolved from there. “I’m glad the shipyard gave us a chance to build the Heritage Room because it gives the employees a chance to show their talents when it comes to these types of projects,” said NAVFAC Production Division Director Jay Johnson. “By keeping the project inside the shipyard, it saves money and time. If there are any changes or if something happens, we are right here in the shipyard and can be where we need to be right away to take care of any issues that come up.” In the beginning, project ideas were exchanged multiple times in order to find the right design, ventilation system, specialized lighting, flooring, paint, and historical images. The team’s goal was to create a room that would capture and reflect the shipyard’s 18 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2018
history while demonstrating defined skills of the shipyard’s workforce. “We really have some talented people in the shipyard and this type of project is the perfect way to show off what they can do,” said Shop 64 Wood Shop Supervisor Jeremy Wood. “These projects require teamwork and when NAVFAC joined us, it gave us the opportunity to really get the project moving forward. They played a major role in building the Heritage Room. We could not have done it without them.” Teamwork and pride went hand-inhand with the Heritage Room project. Codes and shops relied on each other every step of the way to get the job done. “I have only been here about six months and I was pretty excited when I was asked to be a part of the team creating this historic project,” said Shop 64 Woodcrafter Kevin Bliss. “There is a real sense of teamwork here in the shipyard and everyone helps each other. When given a chance to be involved with a project of this magnitude, you can’t help but be proud of what we all accomplished together.” Once the Heritage Room construction was finished, it was time to add the artifacts and information that would display and represent 250 years of shipyard history. “We have a lot of historic things we can change out in the Heritage Room,” said NNSY Historian and Archivist Marcus W.
Public Affairs Officer Terri Davis and NNSY Historian Marcus W. Robbins view artifacts in the newly-opened Heritage Room. Robbins. “It is not often we receive a donated item of the shipyard’s past, but when we do, it is pretty special.” A letter from a crewmember of the USS Constellation, a coin which was made from parts of the USS Constellation’s ship bell, a handcrafted replica of the USS Constellation, and a piece of wood and photo of the USS Chesapeake were all highlighted in the NNSY Heritage Room’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony that took place June 22 in Bldg. 1500. “My goal is to recognize the people who were a part of this. When we started this project, the vision was to have something similar to what you see on an aircraft carrier…a ship’s museum,” said Shipyard Commander, Capt. Brown. “It is amazing! I’m really impressed how it turned out and it is because of all of the hard work everyone put into it. The room is full of history and flows out into the hallway, where you see the future, our innovation, and where we are headed.”
FAR RIGHT: Then Shipyard Commander Capt. Scott Brown cuts the ceremonial ribbon. RIGHT: Empty display cases in the Heritage Room prior to its completion.
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SHIPYARD Two careers mean twice the success for Warrant Officer and Contract Specialist Khosbayar Rentsendorj BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS COURTESY OF KHOSBAYAR RENTSENDORJ A little optimism goes a long way. Khosbayar “Khos” Rentsendorj is a testament to that. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Contract Specialist, former active-duty U.S. Marine and current Marine reservist, maintains a strict “glass half full” mentality, and it’s paying off. Rentsendorj joined the Marine Corps just months after the attacks on 9/11. “I wanted to do something. I was a college student at the time, but I left school and enlisted in the Marine Corps,” he said. He remained on active duty until 2006, and after separation, went back to school and earned his degree from the University of Arkansas. “After that I joined the Reserves and volunteered for active duty mobilization, which I did for four years,” he said. “Then I got out again, and got hired by the Navy in 2014 as a civilian at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Norfolk.” At NAVSUP, Rentsendorj met Greg Finke, who was impressed by his attitude and work ethic. “Khos is a great employee but more importantly, he’s a good person,” said Finke, who is now a Division Head within the Contracting Office (Code 400). “A lot of the values he instills at home he brings to work.” When Finke was hired at NNSY, he knew Rentsendorj would be an asset to his new team, and since 2017, Rentsendorj has worked in the Shipyard’s Contracting Office as a Contract Specialist. He currently supports the Submarine and Availability Support Division (Code 450), specifically the Submarine Preservation Program. Earlier this year, Rentsendorj was selected as one of only 18 Warrant Officers chosen from the Marine Reserves. He then attended The Basic School at Marine Corps Base 20 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • AUGUST 2018
Quantico, where all Marine officers train to be platoon commanders. “Whether you’re active duty or reserve, to be selected out of enlisted ranks to be a Warrant Officer, a mustang, is a huge honor,” he said. “Leading other Marines is a great responsibility and privilege. I’m grateful to Greg and my superiors for allowing me to stay actively engaged in the Marine Corps and take advantage of this opportunity. To be gone for five months is not a small period of time, so it’s a great feeling when your leadership has your back like that.” In his Reserve capacity, Rentsendorj will be working as a personnel officer in a shop of roughly 27 active duty Marines and reservists. As a reservist, Rentsendorj understands the impact of his work from both sides and he sees the dual nature of his career as more motivation to work hard because each of his jobs indirectly affects the other. “We are a military organization and we support our military customers, whether it’s the ships or other commands, and it’s personal to me because I am also that customer,” he said. “Everything I do as a Contract Specialist I take to heart and have huge pride in doing. I’m a warfighter, and I’m also indirectly helping the warfighters accomplish their mission.” “It puts a humbling spin on the work we do within the government,” added Finke. “As a Division Head, I’m worried about supporting the shipyard and getting the work out, but when Khos has to perform his reservist duties, it puts that into perspective. We may not directly support the Marines, but what we do at the shipyard could impact him. Having a reservist on the team helps us see the end goal.” For Rentsendorj, being a reservist has given him a way to stay connected to the lifestyle he loves. “Being a reservist is awesome,” he said. “I can stay a Marine. To non-marines, the
LEFT AND BOTTOM: Rentsendorj at The Basic School during his training earlier this year. BELOW: Finke and Rentsendorj following the pinning ceremony at Quantico.
9 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT Khos Rentsendorj 1. My favorite color is blue. 2. My lucky number is 10. ‘Semper Fidelis’ and ‘Once a Marine, always a Marine’ mindset can seem almost cult-like. But to Marines, it’s true. Even though I’m out of active duty I’m still heavily involved in other Marines’ lives. It’s nice to see junior Marines grow and do well, and it makes me proud too.” Outside of the shipyard and when he’s off duty, Rentsendorj rarely has a free moment to spare. “I have so many hobbies I don’t have much free time,” he said. “I have two kids who keep me busy.” His son and daughter are active in various extracurricular activities, from violin and ballet to piano and soccer. “We try to prepare them as much as possible for the future, so they’re very involved in a lot of things, which means I’m also involved in a lot of things,” he said. “If I tell my kids to do something but I don’t do it myself, it’s an empty statement. I apply the same thing with my junior Marines. I want my kids to succeed and I want my Marines to succeed, so I take it personally and try to lead by example.” Rentsendorj’s success can be attributed in
3. I’m a thirteenth-century weapons expert. 4. My favorite place I’ve ever visited is Rome, Italy. part to his positive outlook on life. “The attitude you leave home with will define how your day goes,” he said. “Remember, we’re living in the strongest and best country.” When asked for one piece of advice to live by, Rentsendorj didn’t even pause to think. “Always look at the glass half full because you never know if the person next to you is dealing with cancer, or the loss of a child, you never know. If you’re healthy and you have a job and a roof over your head, you’re good.” And for those who may be unsure about where their career is taking them, Rentsendorj offered this: “Always look for advancement opportunity. The sky is the limit. That’s what I always tell my kids. There are many ways to get to your goal, you just have to figure it out and make it happen.”
5. I love John Grisham novels. 6. I would play myself in the movie about my life. That would be most authentic. 7. My pet peeves are laziness, lack of integrity, and lack of initiative. 8. I am ataxophobic. 9. In three words, I am a U.S. Marine, a dad, and a husband.
NNSY HOSTS HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS FROM MILITARY FAMILIES FOR STEM CAREER DAY BY KRISTI BRITT • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY LUKE BEASLEY • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
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Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) opened its doors June 21 for the sixth annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Career Day. Students were provided a tour of the facilities by Shipyard Historian Marcus Robbins, and learned the day-to-day operations of the shipyard and how the workforce services the fleet of the U.S. Navy. In addition, the students were able to interact with representatives from different departments and learn about their fields of expertise, including NNSY's Engineering and Planning Department, the Quality Assurance Department, the Electrical Group, the Rapid Prototype Center, the Occupational Health and Safety Department, and more. They also had the opportunity to learn about the apprentice program. “This event is all about celebrating the students and their passion for STEM,” said NNSY Outreach Program Manager Valerie Fulwood. “This year our theme is ‘Inspiring Young Minds in Science, Technology, and Engineering.’ We wanted to bring in the students and share with them what STEM can offer them for their future in education, career paths, and more. The students have been very receptive and have shown their curiosity with the questions they ask. They have a passion for learning and we’re thrilled to have them.”
Unlike the previous STEM career days, this year NNSY wanted to target homeschool students from military families in Hampton Roads and students attending summer school at the Youth Center at Scott Center Annex. Homeschool student Kerrigan Diehl said, “It was exciting to see the ships and learn about how the shipyard fixes them. We got to see the dry docks up close and got to meet with folks who were able to answer our questions about the work being done.” The STEM Career Day was also the first partnership between NNSY Outreach Program and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) School Liaison Officer (SLO) in an effort to take advantage of every tool available to reach as many kids as possible in the Hampton Roads community. “For me, my job is to service the children of military members,” said School Liaison Officer Terrilyn Williams. “Our homeschool students especially tend to miss out being exposed to some of the same experiences public school students are exposed to. For the shipyard to allow us to come in behind the scenes here, it’s amazing. The students had a lot of questions and we could see the dry docks and the ships and see the folks working on the waterfront. Today is a great experience and we’re thankful to be included." “I really like science and I really enjoyed seeing the dry dock with the submarine,” said Quayson Lewis, a sixth grader at John F. Kennedy Middle School who was attending summer camp at the Youth Center. “The shipyard is a really cool place and you get to learn how the ships go into dry dock and the work that gets done to ensure it is able to perform its mission. I really enjoyed going on the tour and speaking with the different workers. I had no idea there were so many jobs here. I loved today and I hope there’s more chances to come to the shipyard and learn more!”
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Keep clam and carry on: Teamwork and thousands of mollusc shells improve wildlife and wetlands BY APRIL BROWN • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY SHELBY WEST • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) MidAtlantic's Environmental Restoration Program representatives and community leaders recently toured St. Juliens Creek Annex (SJCA) to evaluate how the environment has been changing across the installation. The visit focused on what changes have occurred over the past year, and what still needs to be improved. The installation hasn’t always been as mindful of plants, clean waters, and a home for animals, birds, insects, and sea life. With the help of the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB), local communities, and the shared goal to continue to clean, protect, and restore SJCA, things continue to improve and grow. “For the past few years, I have seen this base transform. There has been a significant change in the variety of wildlife; herons, egrets, bald eagles, kingfishers, and blue birds that were never here before, but now call this place home,” said Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), Satellite Communication Project Lead Dennis Long. “When this project first started, there really wasn’t much here. Everyone is doing what they can to make this a better place, and with the help, we are well on our way for this place to be very eco-friendly.” Changes along the river, such as adding plants and thousands of clam shells, have provided multiple benefits including shoreline erosion protection, nutrients for the soil, and a safe haven for fish and small animals. “We are seeing and learning changes that provide more food, which brings more birds, insects, all kinds of sea life to include sand crabs,” said Long. “It is amazing to see how nature fixes and cleans itself up to make things better for everything and everyone.
Just seeing the difference in the past couple of years makes it exciting to see where this place is going to be in five years, and further in the future. It is going to be full of fish, birds and all kinds of wildlife.” With the help of the RAB and volunteers, the once overgrown areas from SJCA to Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) are continually transforming into ecofriendly environments. With the help of volunteers, donated plants and shells, they are doing their best to keep nature on track to provide vegetation for landscaping and food sources, and treating the water to ensure it is safe for sea life, animals, birds, and eventually people. “Keeping the water safe is vital to the environment and our personnel. We continue to monitor, sample, and test the water frequently to make sure the levels and conditions remain favorable,” said Robert Bray, NAVFAC MIDLANT Engineer. Testing and removing contaminants from the soil surrounding plants and water
is another way of protecting the area from contamination runoff that may be in the water surrounding the installation. “We put a lot of effort into keeping this project going. What we are doing here at St. Juliens Creek Annex is being put into place at our other installations. In one way or another, we are all connected, especially by the waterways and a contamination can affect us in many ways,” said Bray. “This type of project keeps us well connected with the community.” For the past 20 years, NNSY and the Elizabeth River Project have been working together. “We have a lot of shipyard employees volunteer and help retain that partnership while improving the land and water that connect us,” said Matt Peppers, Code 106 Innovation Branch Head. “What we do really does have an effect because we are now seeing the changes in wildlife and plant life on and off the installations. It is constantly improving.” Inspections of water and vegetation are
performed by NNSY employees, city members, and Elizabeth River Project members to ensure safety and environmental growth up and down the river continue. “It is encouraging to hear people want to be included and remain involved with the environmental project, whether it is for two years or 20 years,” said Bray. “Having continued support of the community helps strengthen the relationship and team involvement that makes this a better place across the waterways.” Twice a year environmental teams meet up for a site visit and conference to discuss their annual accomplishments and their upcoming environmental goals that will improve the waterways and wetlands that connect the communities together. For more information, visit the NAVFAC website, www.navfac.navy.mil, or go to http://go.usa.gov/Dyn4.
TOP LEFT & ABOVE: Oyster shells are visible along the shoreline at St. Juliens Creek Annex. TOP RIGHT: The river at St. Juliens Creek Annex is a now safe haven for wildlife thanks to the RAB's environmental efforts.
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are you MISSING OUT on important INFO? register for ! What is AtHoc? Do you want to stay informed about base closures or weather events as they develop? By registering for the Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN), also known as the AtHoc system, you have the ability to receive alerts via email, text message, and/or phone call. This enables you to receive critical information and updates even when you are not at work. If you do not register for the WAAN with your various personal devices, the command cannot reach you at home to report incidents, delays or base closures during extreme weather, active shooter events, or other emergencies. You will automatically receive the NMCI computer pop-ups at your workstation, but you are not registered for the other features unless you sign up. To do so, right click the purple globe icon in the bottom right corner of your desktop and click “Access Self Service” to add your contact information and devices. Directions to the access the WAAN System 1. Click on the little up arrow in lower right corner of your computer screen to open a box of icons. 2. Right click on the purple globe. 3. Select the option that says access self service. 4. Click on the “devices” tab. 5. Input your contact information. 6. Click to save your information. New updates have been added to the WAAN system. Additional fields have been added to help target information for building or groups of people. Please help us to help you during an emergency by updating this information. If you need assistance please contact Steve Murley at 376-3573 or speak to your emergency management representative.
More options: LOCAL MEDIA During severe weather emergencies, local television stations such as WAVY, WTKR, and WVEC broadcast NNSY closure information as soon as it becomes available. Check your favorite station for updates. SOCIAL MEDIA NNSY’s Facebook page is updated regularly when severe weather threatens the region. Check regularly to find out about shipyard work delays. Any time severe weather is threatening Hampton Roads, the shipyard Facebook page should be your first stop. You do NOT need your own Facebook account to see updates on the shipyard’s page. INFO LINE The shipyard’s information hotline, 757-396-9551, is updated as needed. Dialing the number provides you with instructions for all shifts and gate closure information.
Don’t have regular or reliable computer access? Call the shipyard’s Emergency Manager at 757-376-3573.